Key 2018-19 free agents for all 30 MLB teams

Here is a division-by-division breakdown of the notable free agents remaining for all 30 Major League clubs as Spring Training gets underway.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

Here is a division-by-division breakdown of the notable free agents remaining for all 30 Major League clubs as Spring Training gets underway.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

Atlanta BravesNotable free agents remaining: RHP Peter Moylan

Nick Markakis was a valuable member of a youthful Braves club in 2018, providing veteran leadership and making the All-Star team for the first time in his career, so they brought him back on a one-year deal with a club option for '20. Kurt Suzuki formed a productive catching tandem with Tyler Flowers across 2017-18, but the 35-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Nationals.

Miami MarlinsNotable free agents remaining: INF/OF Derek Dietrich

The Marlins' roster is replete with players who are at the early stages of their big league careers, putting them years away from free agency. After trading multiple big-name players last offseason, Miami will likely now look to deal veterans Starlin Castro and Martin Prado, as they are owed nearly $27 million combined in 2019. Meanwhile, Dietrich elected free agency after being designated for assignment and clearing waivers.

The Mets re-signed catcher Devin Mesoraco to a Minor League contract to serve as depth for the newly acquired Wilson Ramos and holdover Travis d'Arnaud. Jackson, AJ Ramos and Reyes are unlikely to be back, and Jerry Blevins signed a Minor League deal with the A's.

All four players on Philadelphia's initial free-agent list were acquired late in the 2018 campaign as the Phillies made a playoff push that ultimately fell short. Wilson Ramos signed with the division-rival Mets, but the Phils traded for J.T. Realmuto to replace him.

Harper is one of the top free agents on the market, and the Nats are making a major push to keep him in Washington. Washington traded for Yan Gomes and signed Kurt Suzuki this offseason, leaving Wieters looking for a new home. Left-hander Sean Doolittle will be back, as the Nats exercised his option for 2019.

NL CENTRAL

Chicago CubsNotable free agents remaining: LHP Jorge De La Rosa

The Cubs exercised their $20 million club option for Cole Hamels, who was acquired from the Rangers at the non-waiver Trade Deadline, picked up Pedro Strop's $6.25 million option and tendered contracts to seven arbitration-eligible players, so they didn't have any major free-agent departures.

Cincinnati RedsNotable free agents remaining: None

Outside of Matt Harvey, who joined the Angels on a one-year deal, the Reds didn't have any key departures or options to worry about this winter, though Scooter Gennett is due for free agency following the 2019 season and has been mentioned in trade rumors.

Milwaukee BrewersNotable free agents remaining: LHP Gio Gonzalez

Mike Moustakas and Joakim Soria declined player options, and although Soria signed with the A's, Moustakas returned on a one-year deal with an option for 2020. The Brewers picked up Jeremy Jeffress' $3.175 million team option, meanwhile.

Pittsburgh PiratesNotable free agents remaining: None

The Pirates opened up some payroll flexibility and a roster spot by declining Josh Harrison's $10.5 million option, and he went on to sign with the Tigers.

St. Louis CardinalsNotable free agents remaining: RHP Bud Norris

Adam Wainwright agreed to a one-year deal to return for his 15th season with the Cardinals. Improving the bullpen to build around Jordan Hicks was a priority for St. Louis, especially with the departure of Norris, who provided stability at closer for much of the season. As a result, the Cards signed Andrew Miller in December.

NL WEST

Arizona DiamondbacksNotable free agents remaining: RHP Clay Buchholz

The D-backs made one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offers to Patrick Corbin and A.J. Pollock, both of which were declined. Corbin went on to sign with the Nationals, and Pollock landed with the NL West-rival Dodgers.

With DJ LeMahieu signing with the Yankees and new acquisition Daniel Murphy expected to move to first base, the Rockies may be set to turn the reins at second base over to one of their middle-infield prospects, Garrett Hampson and Brendan Rodgers. Colorado also lost Adam Ottavino to the Yanks and saw Gerardo Parra head to the Giants on a Minor League deal after his $12 million team option was declined.

Los Angeles DodgersNotable free agents remaining: RHP Ryan Madson

Clayton Kershaw, who had an opt-out clause that would have voided the final two years of his deal, signed a three-year, $93 million contract to stay with the Dodgers. Meanwhile, Los Angeles made qualifying offers to Yasmani Grandal (who signed a one-year deal with the Brewers) and the oft-injured Hyun-Jin Ryu, with the latter accepting.

San Francisco exercised its options on Madison Bumgarner and Pablo Sandoval, bringing them back for 2019, and re-signed Derek Holland, who enjoyed a bounceback campaign and anchored an injury-riddled Giants rotation in 2018.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Baltimore OriolesNotable free agents remaining: OF Adam Jones

The O's traded nearly every player on an expiring contract, including Manny Machado, Zack Britton and Brad Brach, during their 2018 roster purge. Baltimore would have dealt Jones as well, but he was unwilling to waive his 10-and-5 rights. Jones may be interested in returning, but he would likely need to accept a reduced role as the Orioles look to the future.

The Red Sox have retained most of their roster after winning the World Series in 2018, re-signing postseason heroes Nathan Eovaldi and Steve Pearce and picking up Chris Sale's $15 million option for '19. Eduardo Nunez exercised his $5 million player option for '19, and David Price decided not to opt out of the remaining four years and $127 million on his contract. Kimbrel could end up being the only key player Boston loses, as he rejected the club's qualifying offer.

New York YankeesNotable free agents remaining: None

Pitching was the main focus for the Yankees during the offseason. They re-signed CC Sabathia to a one-year deal and reliever Zack Britton to a three-year pact, and traded for James Paxton. Meanwhile, David Robertson moved onto the Phillies. The club declined a $12.5 million club option for 35-year-old outfielder Brett Gardner, New York's longest-tenured player, but re-signed him to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million.

Tampa Bay RaysNotable free agents remaining: OF Carlos Gomez

Sergio Romo was an integral member of the Rays' pitching staff for much of the 2018 season, racking up 25 saves and making five appearances as an "opener," but Tampa Bay opted to move on from the righty, who signed with the Marlins. As for Gomez, the veteran outfielder is unlikely to be back after posting a .634 OPS over 118 games in 2018.

Toronto Blue JaysNotable free agents remaining: None

Much like Baltimore, Toronto dealt many impending free agents during the 2018 season, including Josh Donaldson, J.A. Happ, Steve Pearce, Curtis Granderson and John Axford. The Jays picked up Justin Smoak's reasonable $8 million club option and added Matt Shoemaker and Clayton Richard to their rotation, while Marco Estrada departed.

Chicago picked up Nate Jones' $4.65 million option, but declined Shields' option for $16 million, opting instead for a $2 million buyout, and decided not to tender a contract to Avisail Garcia, who signed with the Rays.

Cleveland IndiansNotable free agents remaining: None

The Indians have some security in the bullpen with midseason acquisitions Brad Hand and Adam Cimber both controllable for several more seasons. Those two should help to replace Andrew Miller, who signed with the Cardinals, and Cody Allen, who joined the Angels. Outfield is also an area of need, especially with Michael Brantleyjoining the Astros and Lonnie Chisenhall and Melky Cabrera both signing with the Pirates. The Tribe picked up Carlos Carrasco's $9.75 million club option for '19 but opted to buy out Brandon Guyer for $250,000 instead of exercising his $3 million option, and he landed with the White Sox. Third baseman Josh Donaldson's stay in Cleveland was brief, as he inked a one-year, $23 million deal with the Braves.

Detroit TigersNotable free agents remaining: SS Jose Iglesias

Iglesias, Francisco Liriano (who landed a Minor League deal with the Pirates) and the retiring Victor Martinez are the key departures for the rebuilding Tigers, who signed Jordy Mercer to replace Iglesias and added Matt Moore and Tyson Ross to their rotation.

Kansas City RoyalsNotable free agents remaining: None

After trading Jon Jay, Lucas Duda, Kelvin Herrera and Mike Moustakas last season, the Royals let Alcides Escobar walk, since Adalberto Mondesi is now their starting shortstop. They did, however, bring back Wily Peralta, who emerged as their closer last season, on a restructured contract.

With Joe Mauer retiring and the Twins declining to pick up Morrison's $8 million option for 2019, Minnesota had a need at first base and designated hitter, leading to the additions of C.J. Cron and Nelson Cruz. Minnesota also signed Jonathan Schoop to replace the departed Brian Dozier (traded to the Dodgers in July) and Forsythe. Santana's $14 million option was declined after the righty missed nearly all of '18 with finger issues.

The Angels will retain much of their core. Johnson will likely draw interest on the open market for clubs in need of dependable bullpen arms. Young suffered a season-ending injury (labral tears in both hips) but is expected to be ready for Spring Training.

Keuchel has spent his entire career with Houston, but he could anchor another team's staff in 2019 after declining a qualifying offer from the Astros, who added Wade Miley. Brian McCann returned to Atlanta on a one-year deal, and Charlie Morton signed with the Rays. Maldonado is not expected back after the team inked Robinson Chirinos.

Oakland A'sNotable free agents remaining: RHP Edwin Jackson

Jed Lowrie, who signed a two-year deal with the Mets, was the biggest name among A's free agents, but Oakland let the veteran walk after acquiring Jurickson Profar to handle second base. The A's also lost Jeurys Familia to the Mets, Trevor Cahill to the Angels and Shawn Kelley to the Rangers, but added Joakim Soria, re-signed Mike Fiers and Brett Anderson, and brought in Marco Estrada.

Adrian Beltre retired, and Texas declined its options on Doug Fister, Matt Moore and Martin Perez. Fister joined Beltre in retirement, while Moore landed with the Tigers and Perez with the Twins. Colon and Gallardo are unlikely to return after the Rangers signed Lance Lynn, Shelby Miller and Jason Hammel and traded for Drew Smyly.

2018-19 free agents, position by position

With Spring Training getting underway, many members of this star-studded free-agent class remain available -- including Bryce Harper, Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel.

Keep track of the notable names on the open market with the list below, which will be continually updated as new deals are agreed to.

With Spring Training getting underway, many members of this star-studded free-agent class remain available -- including Bryce Harper, Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel.

Keep track of the notable names on the open market with the list below, which will be continually updated as new deals are agreed to.

Note: Players are grouped by position -- using a player's most-played position in 2018 -- and ranked by '18 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). Each player's 2019 seasonal age and '18 regular-season WAR total are included in parentheses next to his name. (WAR totals are from FanGraphs.)

The latest Harper free-agent rumors

MLB.com

After a seven-season tenure with the Nationals that included a National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2012, an NL MVP Award in 2015 and six All-Star nods, Bryce Harper is now a free agent for the first time.

Below you will find a list of the latest news and rumors surrounding the outfielder.

After a seven-season tenure with the Nationals that included a National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2012, an NL MVP Award in 2015 and six All-Star nods, Bryce Harper is now a free agent for the first time.

Below you will find a list of the latest news and rumors surrounding the outfielder.

Are White Sox out on Harper?Feb. 20: The White Sox coveted Manny Machado but missed out on landing him when he agreed to a 10-year, $300 million deal with the Padres. The White Sox, however, also have been linked aplenty to Bryce Harper, the other superstar who remains readily available, so the expectation is that they could pivot and make a run at the slugging outfielder, right?

Maybe. Maybe not.

The White Sox "are out of the Bryce Harper sweepstakes," according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Nightengale adds that Chicago still is planning to adjust its roster, but the front office may do so not with a big-name free agent, but rather by targeting versatile veterans like Marwin Gonzalez and Josh Harrison. Lefty starter Gio Gonzalez also could be a possibility, Nightengale suggests.

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman checks in to say that "at least five teams are believed [to] still [be] in contact" with Harper, who "is believed to have turned down multiple offers over $300M in recent weeks." The Phillies, Giants and Nationals look like the leaders at this point, ahead of the Padres and White Sox, according to Heyman.

The Phillies have been thought of as the favorites to sign Harper for most of the offseason, although it's recently been reported that there's at least something of a question about how comfortable Harper is with the idea of going to Philadelphia. The Phillies also were in the mix for Machado, so missing out on him would appear to raise the stakes on their pursuit of Harper.

How Machado's record-breaking deal with Padres impacts HarperFeb. 19:Manny Machado appears to have found a new team. The superstar infielder has agreed to a deal with the Padres, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand confirms the news, adding that the contract is for 10 years and $300 million -- a record for the biggest free-agent contract in the history of MLB and all American sports. Giancarlo Stanton's 13-year, $325 million deal with the Marlins back in 2014 is the only larger contract; that was an extension, not a free-agent pact.

Speculation had been picking up around Machado the past few days, with the Padres and White Sox considered the frontrunners. The Phillies also were in the mix, although their main focus may be on outfielder Bryce Harper, the other star free agent still available. With Machado headed to San Diego, expect Harper buzz to swell to a crescendo.

Still, it is believed that the Phillies are positioned as the likely favorites for the star outfielder at this stage, although the Nationals, White Sox and Giants also cannot be counted out.

The question now becomes: How hard will the Phillies push to get a deal done with Harper, seeing as he's the biggest name on the open market and has been their primary target recently? Oh, and also: Is Harper's agent Scott Boras now going to ensure that his client scores an even bigger total salary than Machado, as MLB.com's Todd Zolecki suggests?

For what it's worth, Andy Martino of SNY is hearing that Harper actually might be "unsure about Philly" -- a factor that might be mitigated if the Phillies are willing to give him an outright record contract.

Otherwise, failing to bring in Harper could be a problem for the club, especially since its fan base has been expecting to land either Machado or Harper all winter after comments early in the offseason about how the ownership might be "a little bit stupid" in how it spends money.

Is finish line in sight for Harper, and will it be a record-breaking deal?Feb. 19: Are the finish lines in the races to sign superstar free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado in view? According to former MLB general manager Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, Harper could be putting pen to paper by Friday, and Machado may be well down that path as well.

"We're now getting multiple sources [that] are hearing the same thing," Bowden said, " ... that Harper is probably very close to a deal with the Phillies, and Machado is probably very close to a deal with the Padres."

Bowden did add the caveat, however, that there have been several past examples of players apparently close to deals with certain clubs, when "with a stealth airplane a GM or an owner will come in and blow things out at the last minute. Until it is signed and the language is all there, anything can happen."

Specifically, Bowden mentioned that in Harper's case, the Nationals, Yankees or White Sox could jump in at the last minute and up their offer for Harper even if all indications were that he'd sign with the Phillies.

Bowden also said he's hearing that Harper's deal will exceed the record 13-year, $325 million contract Giancarlo Stanton signed with the Marlins in 2014.

Earlier on Monday, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman tweeted that it could take a few more days to get to the finish line for Harper.

Heyman echoes Bowden, tweeting that the Phillies are believed to be the favorites. But he also notes the Giants, Padres and White Sox are also in the mix, and the Nationals might be as well. While Washington hasn't been at the forefront, the club could come in late, Heyman adds, though the rumor that the Nats are going to be given the chance to match any offer for Harper is untrue.

Heyman described Harper discussions as "intensified" on Sunday and reported that the outfielder has "multiple long-term offers for more than $30 million a year" on the table. One of those offers is said to be from San Diego, with the club reportedly entering a bid over $250 million. The Padres also made a substantial offer to Machado, sources told MLB.com's AJ Cassavell.

The market for Harper appears to be more robust now than it has been at any point since he became a free agent in November, and Boras likely isn't in a rush to end the process without seeing if he can drum up a bidding war between the teams involved. It could also benefit Harper to wait and see if Machado accepts the Padres' offer, which is believed to be the largest on the table for the 26-year-old infielder. While signing Machado would take San Diego out of the running for Harper, it could in turn cause some of the other clubs that are in on Harper to get more aggressive.

Heyman: 'Intensified' Harper talks are 'heating up'Feb. 17: There's been plenty of buzz around Bryce Harper over the past 48 hours or so. Could a resolution to the superstar slugger's free agency be coming soon?

"Things are heating up" for Harper, with the Phillies being seen as the favorite and the Padres making an offer higher than $250 million, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, who describes the discussions as "intensified" but also cautions that "nothing is done yet." Heyman follows up to point out that Harper is talking to other suitors -- including perhaps the Nationals, Giants and White Sox -- and has "multiple long-term offers for more than $30 million a year" on the table. Sources told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki that while the Phillies and Harper's agent Scott Boras have been talking recently and making progress, nothing is imminent. Meanwhile, Philly also remains in contact with Manny Machado.

This comes two days after a report started circulating and gaining some steam Friday afternoon that Harper just might be on the verge of finding a new home.

In a conversation with radio station 94WIP in Philadelphia about the star free agent's situation, Chris Russell of 106.7 The Fan, a radio station in Washington, D.C., speculated Friday that Harper could be making up his mind very, very soon.

"Maybe I took a little bit of a leap of faith here based on some indications I got from a real good source," said Russell, who has heard that Harper and his agent, Scott Boras, as well as his wife have been meeting since Monday in his hometown of Las Vegas. "But I'm led to believe by the people that I've talked to that are close to the situation -- and I have, again, a real good source that has helped me through this process, let's just leave it at that -- that Bryce was in a mood to celebrate yesterday. Now, the source said, 'I believe it's done.'

"I don't have concrete, 100 percent proof for you guys," Russell continued. "I wish I did, otherwise I would have it and I would be running around with it. ... But that's what I was led to believe, that this thing is now decided."

To a certain extent, that meshes with information coming from former big league general manager Jim Bowden of CBS Sports HQ and The Athletic, who says the Phillies are viewed as the clear favorite for Harper, followed by the Nationals.

"I keep hearing there's a lot of momentum and traction here on [Harper] going and signing with the Philadelphia Phillies," Bowden said. "He could be rounding third and heading home shortly."

Here's how Harper could fit with YankeesFeb. 15: The Yankees have made several additions this offseason to bolster their roster ahead of another run at reaching the World Series for the first time since 2009. The club has brought in the likes of James Paxton, Adam Ottavino, Troy Tulowitzki and DJ LeMahieu and brough back J.A. Happ, CC Sabathia and Zack Britton. But is that enough to overtake the powerhouse Red Sox?

While it may be, with superstars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado still on the free-agent market, MLB.com's Mike Lupica asks: How much farther would the organization go financially to tilt the scales more sharply in its favor? Signing Harper or Machado certainly would do that, but neither will come cheap, and the Yankees already have a payroll in the $220 million range.

"Yankees fans want [owner Hal] Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman to finish the job this season," Lupica writes. "[If] it turns out that they haven't spent enough, and Machado or Harper might make all the difference, Yankees fans aren't going to want to hear about how fiscally responsible the team is being." More >

Here's a look at how Harper, in particular, could fit into the Yankees' roster and lineup, courtesy of MLB.com's Andrew Simon.

Which teams have the best chance at landing Harper?Feb. 13: Bryce Harper has been connected to several teams since the offseason began, but while a few clubs have emerged to be seen as frontrunners, which teams have the best chance to land the superstar free agent? MLB.com's Mark Feinsand ranked every potential landing spot for Harper based on the likelihood that the club signs him.

The "longshots" on Feinsand's list are the Cubs, Yankees, and Giants, with San Francisco being the most recent club to join the Harper Sweepstakes by meeting with him in Las Vegas last week. The next category up is "contenders," in which Feinsand places the Padres and White Sox. San Diego is also a recent entrant into the "Harper Bazaar" as his agent, Scott Boras, called it early in the offseason, and also sent a delegation to meet with Harper. The White Sox have shown serious interest this offseason in both Harper and fellow 26-year-old free agent Manny Machado, even though Chicago is currently in the middle of a rebuild with a lot of talent in the pipeline.

Finally, in the "favorites" category are the Phillies and Harper's former team, the Nationals. Philadelphia made it no secret at the start of the offseason that it intended to spend big. Washington reportedly offered Harper a 10-year, $300 million contract at the end of last season, which he declined, but it has been reported since then that the Nats increased their offer substantially and are definitely in the running.

"The Phillies have been the odds-on favorites to land Harper and/or Machado from the outset of the offseason, and many believe they will still ultimately sign one of them," writes Feinsand. "Last week's trade for J.T. Realmuto made the Phillies' roster even more attractive for a free agent, though some have wondered whether either Harper or Machado wants to play in Philly."

With respect to the Nationals, Feinsand writes that "the consensus is that Boras will give Nationals ownership a chance to exceed [or at least match] the biggest offer before Harper signs elsewhere." More >

Is Harper open to a short-term deal?Feb. 13: While it has been reported that the Giants are hoping to sign Bryce Harper to a shorter-term contract, the star slugger "is not signing -- or even considering -- short-term deals," according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

That is similar to what MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi is hearing. "According to what I was told by a source, Harper is not actively discussing a short-term deal right now with the Giants," Morosi says. "At this point in time, Harper's mindset is still the longer-term deal. I think if Harper was going to sign a short-term deal, if that was a preference of his, he would have done so by now."

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that there's even skepticism among some of the people involved in the discussions that the Giants would generate the type of offer that will sway the slugger to pick San Francisco.

Still, USA Today's Bob Nightengale thinks that the club is a strong place, telling San Francisco radio station KNBR that the Giants and Phillies look like the finalists to land the superstar outfielder.

"Right now, I really do think it's the Giants and the Phillies. It's a two-team race here," said Nightengale, who thinks San Francisco and Philadelphia are neck and neck. "With the Giants moving in and all the optimism, I do believe it's a coin flip," Nightengale said. "I think for the Phillies to get Harper, they're going to have to grossly outbid the Giants to get him. I really do. I think if it's close, he goes to San Francisco. If there's a huge gap, it's tough to walk away from that kind of money."

On the other hand, Nightengale believes the Nationals and Dodgers -- two of the other suitors most strongly linked to Harper this offseason -- are "definitely out of it."

The Giants did make a move to address their outfield Tuesday, bringing in Gerardo Parra on a Minor League deal. While Parra has a good chance to make the team, a source told Morosi that the Giants, who have a full 40-man roster, remain hopeful to sign Harper and didn't want to add another outfielder to their 40-man roster until Harper's situation is settled. Hence, the Minor League contract for Parra.

Could Giants add Harper and still go through rebuild?Feb. 11: The Giants recently entered the race for Bryce Harper, sparking comparisons to the 1992-93 offseason, when San Francisco signed Barry Bonds after a 72-90 season.

With Bonds in the fold, the Giants won 103 games in 1993. Could Harper lead this San Francisco club to a similar turnaround and help the franchise get another few postseason runs from its aging core? Perhaps that's what new president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and team president and CEO Larry Baer are hoping.

However, MLB Network insider Joel Sherman suggests that signing Harper could be a "middle-ground move" that keeps the club relevant while Zaidi reconstructs the roster.

"I wonder if the Giants are in this right now because they looked left and right and said, 'Well, Bryce Harper's still out there.'" Sherman said Monday on MLB Network's "Hot Stove" program. "'Should we at least put our toe in the water and see if we can do this at a level that we like? Because he's young enough to be part of our next good team, and he's star enough to keep our fans interested in the painful period that's likely to come over the next two to three years.'"

In Sherman's view, it would be surprising if the Giants stuck with the status quo, considering the hiring of Zaidi was the organization's way of breaking free from an old-fashioned thought process and ushering in a new era. But Harper could at least prevent the club from bottoming out and losing more fans and viewers in the interim.

"When you're in a market like San Francisco, where you're selling out every day, where TV ratings do matter, where you're in competition with the 49ers and the championship Warriors, you want to make sure you don't bleed out in the two- or three- or four-year period where they're [rebuilding]."

Report: Giants prefer short-term deal for HarperFeb. 10: The Giants have emerged as a serious contender for Bryce Harper in the past week, but USA Today's Bob Nightengale writes that the club has "no desire" to make Harper an offer approaching the 10-year, $300 million deal he reportedly rejected from the Nationals in September. Rather, San Francisco plans to make Harper a lucrative short-term offer.

Of course, as Nightengale notes, ownership was willing to take on $265 million of Giancarlo Stanton's contract last offseason if it acquired him from the Marlins, so it's possible the Giants will be open to investing that type of money in Harper as well.

Harper was a popular topic during the Giants' annual FanFest at Oracle Park on Saturday. The club's CEO, Larry Baer, declined to make any predictions about where Harper will land, but did say the meeting Giants executives had with him earlier this week in Las Vegas went well and lasted four hours, longer than either side expected. Baer also said the Giants are "giving it a shot."

According to NBC Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic, Harper spoke of his admiration of catcher Buster Posey during the meeting, and "there has been an increased sense among some in the clubhouse that Harper prefers the Giants."

On Sunday, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr chimed in during a press conference, saying, "Bryce, come to San Francisco. Let's go."

The Giants, along with the Dodgers and Padres, are among the clubs closest to Harper's home in Las Vegas. A move to sign Harper wouldn't be unprecedented for the franchise; San Francisco plucked a 28-year-old Barry Bonds off the market in late 1992 with a six-year, $44 million contract that was, at that time, the largest in baseball history. The following season, the club won 103 games.

"There is obviously mutual interest on both sides," Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said Friday. "We thought it made sense to get together. We had a good conversation over a few hours. He's obviously got a lot of suitors and a lot of interest. He's going to have some decisions to make. I think it's fair to say that was an expression of our interest level, to make the trip out there to meet with him. You don't make a trip out there to meet with a player just for show."

Zaidi, though, wouldn't go as far as saying whether the team has made a formal offer to Harper.

Reds add Dietrich on Minor League deal

By
Mark SheldonMLB.com

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Upon the passing of his physical on Tuesday, the Reds signed infielder/outfielder Derek Dietrich to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league camp for Spring Training.

If he makes the club, Dietrich will earn $2 million this season with the chance for an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses. His addition gives the Reds 62 players in camp.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Upon the passing of his physical on Tuesday, the Reds signed infielder/outfielder Derek Dietrich to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league camp for Spring Training.

If he makes the club, Dietrich will earn $2 million this season with the chance for an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses. His addition gives the Reds 62 players in camp.

Dietrich, 29, was designated for assignment by the Marlins in November after six seasons with the team. He elected free agency after clearing waivers. Considered below average defensively on many advanced metrics, he was unable to land a regular position in Miami. Instead, he moved around to play first base, second base, third base and left field.

Cincinnati is expected to have a four-man bench and could benefit from the added offensive punch besides the versatility. Dietrich has proven to be a slightly above-average hitter, recording a lifetime 109 OPS+. While batting .265/.330/.421 in 149 games last season, he hit a career-high 16 homers with 45 RBIs and a 2.2 offensive WAR.

Dietrich is expected to be in camp when the Reds work out on Wednesday. He will wear No. 22.

The latest Machado free-agent rumors

Manny Machado has been one of the game's best players since debuting in 2012, and he is set to cash in as a first-time free agent this offseason.

Below you will find a list of the latest news and rumors surrounding the infielder.

Manny Machado has been one of the game's best players since debuting in 2012, and he is set to cash in as a first-time free agent this offseason.

Below you will find a list of the latest news and rumors surrounding the infielder.

Impact of Machado's record-breaking deal with PadresFeb. 19:Manny Machado appears to have found a new team. The superstar infielder has agreed to a deal with the Padres, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand confirms the news, adding that the contract is for 10 years and $300 million -- a record for the biggest free-agent contract in the history of MLB and all American sports. Giancarlo Stanton's 13-year, $325 million deal with the Marlins back in 2014 is the only larger contract; that was an extension, not a free-agent pact.

Speculation had been picking up around Machado the past few days, with the Padres and White Sox considered the frontrunners. The Phillies also were in the mix, although their main focus may be on outfielder Bryce Harper, the other star free agent still available. With Machado headed to San Diego, expect Harper buzz to swell to a crescendo.

As for Machado and the Padres, he will help fill the left side of their infield, perhaps covering shortstop until elite prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. is ready to make his MLB debut, which could come as soon as the middle of 2019. It's likely that Machado eventually will cover the hot corner, however, as that was a position of great need in both the short- and long-term for San Diego.

Padres and White Sox 'remain strong factors' in pursuit of MachadoFeb. 19: The Padres and White Sox "remain strong factors" in the Manny Machado sweepstakes, and the Phillies -- who also are pursuing Bryce Harper -- remain very much in the mix, too, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal.

The Padres have made Machado an offer of at least eight years and $250 million, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. MLB.com's AJ Cassavell reported that it is believed that offer will not be eclipsed -- and that when it comes to filling its hole at third base via free agency, San Diego is going for Machado or bust. Additionally, Heyman reported Sunday that the Padres have made Harper an offer that exceeds the offer made to Machado.

Meanwhile, the White Sox -- who reportedly made Machado an offer of $175 million over seven years -- have made several Machado-friendly moves this offseason, including trading for his brother-in-law, Yonder Alonso, and signing a close friend in outfielder Jon Jay. Like the Padres, Chicago has one of the top farm systems in the game, with a lot of talent that could make an impact in the next couple of years.

Rosenthal adds that Machado is the preference for the front office of all three clubs, though "ownerships in San Diego and Philadelphia might not see it as convincingly." Phillies owner John Middleton famously said early in the offseason that the organization may be "a little bit stupid" in how it spends its money.

Is Machado close to signing?Feb. 18: Are the finish lines in the races to sign superstar free agents Bryce Harper and Machado in view? According to former MLB general manager Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, Harper could be putting pen to paper by Friday, and Machado may be well down that path as well.

"We're now getting multiple sources [that] are hearing the same thing," Bowden said, " ... that Harper is probably very close to a deal with the Phillies, and Machado is probably very close to a deal with the Padres."

Bowden did add the caveat, however, that there have been several past examples of players apparently close to deals with certain clubs, when "with a stealth airplane a GM or an owner will come in and blow things out at the last minute. Until it is signed and the language is all there, anything can happen."

Padres reportedly make Manny an offer of around 8 years, $250 million or moreFeb. 17: With the Padres, Phillies and White Sox seen as the finalists in the Manny Machado Sweepstakes, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that San Diego has made Machado an offer of about eight years and $250 million. The San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee reports the offer is actually north of that, and a source told MLB.com's AJ Cassavell that the Padres' offer is "substantial" and believed to be the highest on the table for Machado, one that will likely not be topped.

Heyman reported earlier that it appears Machado will go with the highest offer, regardless of destination, but that if Machado would consider a shorter deal with the Yankees, New York might take him up on it.

Machado seems to be a perfect fit for a long-term Padres infield that could feature Eric Hosmer at first, prospect Luis Urias at second, top prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. at short and the 26-year-old superstar at third. San Diego could also use the power upgrade Machado would bring to the lineup -- the franchise hasn't had a hitter produce 30 or more home runs and an OPS of .900 or better in a season since Adrian Gonzalez in 2010.

The Padres are also still in the mix for Machado's fellow 26-year-old superstar free agent, Bryce Harper. According to Heyman, San Diego has made an offer to Harper as well, which is higher than the offer made to Machado. Though he wouldn't be an easy fit on the roster like Machado, Cassavell reports the Padres are ready to make room by dealing from their wealth of outfielders if Harper is amenable to their contract offer.

Will Moose's signing ignite Machado sweepstakes?Feb. 17: Mike Moustakas' reported deal with the Brewers means another prominent free-agent infielder is off the board. It also means there's one less backup plan at third base for those in the sweepstakes for Manny Machado. With that in mind, will Machado's suitors shift gears and ramp up their offers, as MLB Network insider Jon Heyman speculates?

The White Sox and Padres are considered by many to be the frontrunners for Machado, and both of those clubs are rumored to want him to play the hot corner rather than shortstop. Chicago has Tim Anderson entrenched at short but could use an upgrade over Yolmer Sanchez at third base; San Diego has youngster Fernando Tatis Jr. -- the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline -- nearly ready to take over shortstop but lacks a short- or long-term answer at third.

The Phillies also have been in the mix for Machado, as well as for outfielder Bryce Harper, and the latter might be the better fit in Philly. Although third baseman Maikel Franco was a 1-WAR player in 2018, he still may have some upside, and the Phillies already traded for shortstop Jean Segura this offseason.

The Angels were connected to Moustakas recently, too, so perhaps they could pivot toward Machado with the sense that no team has bowled him over with an offer to this point. The Halos, however, may not have room in their payroll for that.

And the Yankees shouldn't be counted out just yet, either, as Heyman suggests they still could be a fit -- if Machado is willing to consider a short-term deal, something Heyman calls a "long shot."

The latest Moustakas free-agent rumors

MLB.com

Mike Moustakas has crushed 66 homers the past two seasons -- only Nolan Arenado, Manny Machado and Jose Ramirez have more among players with at least 50 percent of games at third base in that span. That power makes the 30-year-old, who is in his second straight offseason as a free agent, a solid alternative to Machado.

Below you will find the most recent buzz and rumors about the third baseman.

Mike Moustakas has crushed 66 homers the past two seasons -- only Nolan Arenado, Manny Machado and Jose Ramirez have more among players with at least 50 percent of games at third base in that span. That power makes the 30-year-old, who is in his second straight offseason as a free agent, a solid alternative to Machado.

Below you will find the most recent buzz and rumors about the third baseman.

Moustakas' return to Milwaukee has ripple effectsFeb. 17:Mike Moustakas looks to be headed back to the Brewers, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal, who reports it will be a one-year contract.

Milwaukee acquired Moustakas, 30, at the non-waiver Trade Deadline last summer, and he went on to hit .256/.326/.441 with eight home runs over 54 games while helping the Crew reach the postseason and make it all the way to the National League Championship Series.

With Moustakas back, expect the Brewers to open up the hot corner for him again by shifting Travis Shaw to second base, a position that was somewhat unsettled heading into 2019. MLB.com's Adam McCalvy speculates on what Milwaukee's lineup could look like with Moustakas in place.

Is it possible that the Padres, Phillies and White Sox now will focus their attention on Manny Machado, the most prominent third baseman still available on the open market?

Moose reuniting with Hosmer in San Diego could be boon to younger playersFeb. 16: One aspect of the free-agent market that can be overlooked because it applies only to certain teams is the need for veterans to mentor younger players during a club's rebuilding phase. That's definitely the case with the Padres, who signed Eric Hosmer to an eight-year, $144 million contract prior to the 2018 season. MLB.com's Richard Justice thinks San Diego ought to do something similar this year by bringing in Hosmer's former teammate with the Royals, third baseman Mike Moustakas.

The pair helped Kansas City reach back-to-back World Series in 2014 and '15, winning the franchise's first title in 30 years by defeating the Mets in '15. That chemistry could be a valuable asset for the Padres in terms of not only having production from both when the club is ready to contend, but also helping younger players mature as San Diego eyes success in the coming years.

Moustakas began the '18 season with the Royals before being traded to the Brewers in July. He helped Milwaukee reach the National League Championship Series, hitting .256/.326/.441 with eight homers in 54 games down the stretch. Overall, he slashed .251/.315/.459 with 28 homers in 152 games last year, following a big season in which he launched 38 home runs with an .835 OPS.

Halos in on MooseFeb. 15: For a second straight offseason, Moustakas is unsigned into Spring Training. But he has a new suitor: the Angels.

According to a report Friday from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Halos are now in on Moustakas. That adds one more team to the list of potential landing spots for the third baseman, along with the Brewers, Padres and Phillies.

Third base has been an issue for the Angels for a while. They signed Zack Cozart last offseason to solidify the position, but he got off to a slow start and then suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder that required season-ending surgery in June.

If Cozart returns to full strength in 2019, there would be some question about how to fit both him and Moustakas in the Angels' lineup. One possibility would be playing Moustakas at third and Cozart at second, where he spent some time last year. They could also use Cozart at third and Moustakas at DH or first base, even though the Angels already have Albert Pujols and Justin Bour at those spots while they await Shohei Ohtani's return. The Halos could also platoon Cozart and Moustakas, with the former a right-handed bat and the latter a lefty.

Is a reunion between Moose and Milwaukee inevitable?Feb. 9: As the Brewers await the arrival of second-base prospect Keston Hiura (MLB Pipeline's No. 20 overall prospect), the club has an unsettled keystone situation on the big league roster. Could Milwaukee solve that problem by signing … a third baseman?

Mike Moustakas is still available after finishing the 2018 campaign with the Brewers, who traded for the veteran in July and moved Travis Shaw from the hot corner to second base. The Crew could consider taking that route again, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal in an article for The Athletic (subscription required).

In fact, Rosenthal writes that "a reunion between the Brewers and Moustakas seems inevitable."

Moustakas could be a fallback option for teams eyeing Manny Machado, including the Phillies, White Sox and Padres. But if Machado remains unsigned over the next few weeks, Moustakas may tire of waiting.

That said, signing Moustakas and moving Shaw to second base for the 2019 season would raise some questions for the Brewers, as Rosenthal notes.

Primarily, Shaw's lack of range could become a concern if he is forced to stay at second base for the entire season. Shaw may also be uncomfortable making that move when he has his second year of arbitration eligibility upcoming after the 2019 campaign. Sources tell Rosenthal that the two sides are not discussing a long-term deal, and a poor defensive campaign at second base could hurt Shaw if he is forced to go to an arbitration hearing next offseason.

Meanwhile, the Brewers reportedly added another short-term second-base option to the fold Saturday, agreeing to a Minor League contract with Brett Lawrie. The 29-year-old hasn't played in the Majors since 2016, but he was a first-round Draft pick in '08 and a near-league-average bat (97 OPS+) over '12-16. He initially announced the signing himself via Instagram. According to Robert Murray of The Athletic, Lawrie's deal includes a club option for '20 and could be worth up to $7 million. Lawrie, Cory Spangenberg, Hernan Perez and Tyler Saladino are all in the mix to receive playing time at second until Hiura arrives.